Appealing Boston Area Property Taxes

Higher Boston area property taxes are sometimes a good thing. That’s because it usually means home values have increased. Did you know that if you feel your Boston area property taxes are too high you can file an appeal? Here are a few tips to follow.

Review Boston Area Property Taxes

When you receive your tax notice, examine it closely. Look for errors that may be mistakenly inflating the value of your home. Ask your county’s tax assessor’s office for a property record card and review it carefully. The property record card lists the components used to come up with your property’s assessment. This information may also be available online. Obvious mistakes such as an incorrect square footage or the wrong number of baths will reduce the value of your home — and that will reduce your property taxes.

Review the property tax bills for similar properties in your neighborhood. The tax notices are part of the public record and may also be available online. Compare your home to homes of a similar age or size. If your assessment is higher than the others you may have good grounds for an appeal.

Make sure you received all the property tax breaks you’re entitled to. Most states offer taxpayers certain exemptions, lower tax rates or reduced assessment ratios. The lower rates may apply to homeowners using their home as their primary residence, senior citizens or military veterans.

Your state’s tax department website is also a good source of information on how to appeal your Boston area property taxes. And you can also visit the National Taxpayers Union website, www.ntu.org.

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